There is a lot of hard work ahead for Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters this offseason. Ensuring the defense receives the reinforcements it desperately needs should be a top priority.
The Commanders have already made significant alterations on the defensive side of the ball. Daronte Jones will lead the unit after impressing during the interview process, replacing fired coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Several assistant coaches have been let go, and Jason Simmons has taken a job with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This could merely be the tip of the iceberg.
Peters must aggressively attack free agency, especially with only two selections in the first four rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Commanders have plenty of cash to spend, which could exceed $100 million with additional sacrifices. No stone should be left unturned. Washington's time for half-measures has gone, so doing what's required with purpose is crucial.
Jones will have a say based on the defensive scheme he plans to run and which players are best suited to his system. Peters would be wise to act quickly, given how many top-level performers could be there for the taking.
Obviously, not everyone will test the market. But here are seven dream free agents who could spearhead Washington's defensive renaissance under Jones.
All financial figures are projected by Spotrac.
Dream free agents who could revolutionize the Commanders' defense in 2026
Commanders could sign Jaquan Brisker
- Projected contract: 3 years, $33.26 million
The Washington Commanders need a massive rethink at the safety position. Nobody, aside from perhaps special-teams ace Jeremy Reaves, should be comfortable about their spot. And it wouldn't be surprising to see two new starters and some added depth thrown in for good measure.
Speculation continues to soar about the Commanders taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 7 pick, but an experienced difference-maker with proven credentials should also be a priority in free agency. Jaquan Brisker has the physicality and versatility that look tailor-made for Daronte Jones' system, and the Chicago Bears may not be willing to meet his demands in free agency.
Brisker is an exceptional force against the run. He can get down to the second level with instinctive force while also being disciplined enough to maintain positional leverage. At 26, this represents an investment in both the present and the future.
If this means Will Harris and Quan Martin have to be released, so be it. But it's a small price to pay for progressive upgrades.